Bottle sterilizer



Feb. 7, 1933. J, c HALL 1,896,305

BOTTLE STERILIZER Filed March 26 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor JaZe .Gf/aZZ,

flmaalizw Patented Feb. 7, 1933 UNITED STATES JAKE C. HALL, OF BILLINGS, MONTANA BOTTLE STERILIZER Application filed March 26, 1932. Serial No. 601,369.

This invention relates to an improved domestic type bottle sterilizer which is especially constructed and designed for cleansing and sterilizing nursing bottles.

The invention has to do with the type of sterilizer which is constructed to accommodate a plurality of nursing bottles in an inverted form and further constructed to inject steam into the bottles while thus held in a convenient position for cleaning and drainm %)ne structural feature of the invention is the container which is in the nature of a simple bail or handle equipped bucket adapted to be partly filled with water and placed on an ordinary gas or electric burner.

A further structural feature of the invention is the combined closing and steam generating unit which is applicable to the bucket, easily handled, and well-balanced and appropriately constructed to accommodate a plurality of inverted nursing bottles while subjected to the steaming and cleansing operation.

Referring now to the drawings it will be seen that:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the invention as constructed in accordance with the principles of my improved conception.

igure 2 is a view in section and elevation disclosing the internal construction and arrangement.

Figure 3 is a plan view with the lid or cover removed.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary side view.

As seen better in Figure 2, the container 5 is in the nature of a bucket or receptacle adapted to be partly filled with water for heating and steam generating purposes. The bucket is provided with suitable attaching clips 6 for carrying bail or handle 7 The removable insert or unit is made up of three distinct parts. First there is the steam generator 8 which comprises an inverted cup 45 9 adapted to be submerged in the water in the bucket and provided at its top with a mar. ginal flange 10 which functions as a condensate collection pan. Attached to circumferentially spaced marginal portionsof the top of the cup 9 are vertical steamducts orfjet delivery tubes 11. y

The upper ends of the tubes extend up through the bottle seating holes or apertures 12 in the removable cover or lid 13' which functions as a closure. for the top of the bucket. This lid 13 however due to the presence of the openings 12 provides a novel rack to permit a plurality of nursing bottles 14 to be racked thereon in inverted position. Incidentally the proportions of the holes 12. are such as to permit the neck ends of the bottles a to depend through the openings and to allow the upper discharge ends of the tubes 11 to project into the interior of the bottle. Y The remaining part of this insert comprises a centrally arranged lifting rod 15 attached to the steam dome or cup 8 as well as the'lid 13 and formed at its upper end with a suitable handgrip 16. Thus the parts 8, 13, and 15 insertible and removable as required.

The part 8 of the removable unit resembles an ordinary coflee potvpercolator and :the operation is somewhat similar in that when the water trapped in said dome or cup 9 is converted into steam, the steam rises through the various tubes 11 and escapes in jets into the milk bottle 14. The steaming operation thoroughly cleanses the interior of the bottles and the condensate drains back through the 0 necks of the bottles as is obvious.

Particularly do I wish to emphasize the use of a simple handle-equipped open top bucket adaptable for placement on a conventional gas range burner and constructed to accommodate the removable unit comprising the tube and dome-equipped steam generator, wherein the tubes extend up through the apertures in the lid and the lid serves as a convenient rack for the bottles. This arrangeform a single assembled unlt which is readily 70 ment is important in that it facilitates a cleansing of the bottles and allows the drainings to drop back into the pan 10, and permits the bottles to be heldin this inverted position until substantially dry and ready for use. Hence the device provides not only a sterilizer but a sanitary rack for convenient maintenance of nursing bottles.

It is thought that the description taken in connection with the drawings will enable a clear understanding of the invention to be had. Therefore, a more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to if desired.

I claim:

1. In a bottle sterilizer of the class described, a'receptacle adapted to contain liquid, and a sterilizing and rack unit applicable in said receptacle, said unit comprising a generator including an inverted cup-like memberiprovided with a plurality of upright circumferentially spaced marginal tubes for delivering the steam jets into the bottles, a lid'for said receptacle, said lid having marginal openings through which the tubes pro- .ject, saidopenings being adapted for reception of inverted bottles, together with a rod connecting the generator and lid together in assembled relationship.

2. A structure of the class described comprising an open top'bucket, a steam jet generating and delivery member therein comprising a base in the form of an inverted cup having a marginal upstanding flange attached to the top thereof and forming a drain pan, and having a plurality of 'circumferentially spaced upright tubes attached to said top and projecting above the open top of the bucket, a lid fitted into the top of said bucketand provided with marginal openings through and beyond which said tubes project, said openings being adapted to serve as seats for inverted nursing bottles, and a rod connected centrally to the base and lid and extending up above the lid and terminating in a hand grip.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature;

JAKE C. HALL. 

